Shin splints are a common injury that we see at the clinic, mainly affecting those who participate in high impact activities such as running, netball, football, basketball, soccer etc.

What Are Shin Splints?

Also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, shin splints are an overuse injury that result in pain through the lower leg.

It occurs due to repetitive stress placed on the shin region, often in high impact sports where there is considerable force and pressure placed on the lower leg. Essentially, the pain is present due to the body’s inability to heal the trauma along the shin due to repetitive stress.

The muscles involved in shin splints include tibialis posterior and tibialis anterior. Both of these muscles run along the tibia (shin bone) and attach within the feet. In some cases, if not treated appropriately, shin splints can also progress into a stress reaction or stress fracture along the tibia (shin bone).

What Do Shin Splints Feel Like?

Those who have experienced shin splints will usually describe a dull aching sensation that runs down the shin. It can also be coupled with cramping through the lower leg. Patients may also report a feeling of tiredness or fatigue from the knee down to the ankle that does not necessarily ease with rest.

What Causes Shin Splints?

Shin Splints can be caused by a range of factors including:

• Poor Training Surfaces & Conditions:

A poor training surface can place excessive strain and pressure not just on your lower legs, but your entire body. If it does not mimic your playing conditions or is too hard (such as concrete), it can lead to injuries including shin splints.

• Improper or inappropriate footwear:

Footwear is extremely important during exercise. It is important that your footwear is appropriate to both your foot type and the type of activity you are participating in. Shoes that do not adequately support your feet and ankles can place excessive pressure through your lower legs.

• Pes Planus Foot Type (Flat Feet):

Research tells us that having a pes planus foot type may increase your risk of developing shin splints, when in combination with other factors as well. In a pes planus foot type, there is usually a degree of tibialis posterior dysfunction. The tibialis posterior muscle helps to support the arch and if it is not functioning properly, it is prone to injury. A pes planus foot type also puts pressure on the ankle joint and forces the muscles crossing into the feet to work harder to try to support the ankle and feet properly.

• Overtraining or Overuse:

It is important when training for a competition or game that you don’t ‘overdo’ it. If you’ve played any kind of sport you’ve probably heard someone say that to either yourself or a team mate. By not allowing your body to rest and recover, you are prone to injury. Shin splints are classed as an overuse injury because they develop over time when there is excessive repetitive stress. If your body is not given the time it needs to heal, injury is a given.

• Rapid Increase in Training Load (Intensity, Duration and/or Frequency):

Generally speaking, we recommend sticking to what’s called the 10% rule. This means that you should not be increasing your activity parameters (intensity, frequency or duration) by more than 10% each week. By sticking to this rule you help to reduce your injury risk.

• Knee Position Abnormalities:

Knee position can also affect the ankle and foot position. Genu valgum (knocked knees) or genu varum (bowed legs) can cause the muscles of the lower leg to overwork.

• Muscle Tightness or Weaknesses:

Tightness or weaknesses within the muscle can result in compensations made by other structures.

• Limb Length Discrepancy:

Most people have one leg slightly longer than the other. This is generally not a problem if this difference is less than 1cm, however anything more than this can place more pressure from the back down to the feet.

Who Can Get Shin Splints?

Shin splints can affect anyone in the population, however it is most common in those who participate in high impact sports, those with pes planus (flat) feet and those who increase their physical activity levels too quickly.

How Does a Podiatrist Diagnose Shin Splints?

To diagnose shin splints, there are a variety of different assessments that a podiatrist will perform.

1. Firstly, we take a thorough history of the injury and pain. This will involve asking about your activity type, intensity, frequency and duration. We will also ask about when the pain started, what it feels like, when it is at its worst and so on.
2. We will assess the range of motion through your feet, paying particular attention to the ankle joints where the affected muscles cross over into the foot.
3. Muscle testing will be performed on the different muscles and compartments of the lower leg.
4. We will test your calf flexibility and strength to identify any weaknesses that need to be addressed.
5. A weight bearing (standing) and gait (walking and/or running) assessment will be conducted to identify any structural or functional abnormalities or weaknesses that may be causing your pain.
6. Your footwear will be assessed thoroughly to check for abnormal wear patterns and to assess whether they are appropriate for you.

What Treatments Are Available for Shin Splints?

R.I.C.E

• The initial treatment option until you can have a thorough assessment is to follow the RICE principle of rest, ice, compression and elevation. Icing using a polystyrene cup allows you to massage the area as well as apply ice to reduce inflammation.

Taping

• Taping can help to offload and support the injured structures to essentially give them a break for a few days.

Orthotics

• Orthotics can assist with providing long term support in your footwear to avoid future injury and to properly support your feet all the way up to your back. Learn more about Orthotics here. 

Footwear Modifications

• We know that footwear is very important and that wearing the wrong shoes can cause a whole range of problems. Sometimes, we are able to make small modifications to your runners such as using a small heel lift to take pressure off the legs. We will also be able to recommend different brands and styles of shoes that would suit both your feet and activity type.

Trigger Point Dry Needling

• Trigger point dry needling can help with releasing trigger points and improving healing capacity. Click here to find out more about how Trigger Point Dry Needling works.

Shockwave Therapy

• Shockwave therapy is a very helpful tool in treating shin splints. It can help to increase blood flow to the area, release trigger points and disperse the chemical responsible for pain. Head to our ‘Shockwave therapy’ page for more information.

Stretching and Strengthening Programs

• Stretching and strengthening programs are extremely important when trying to rehabilitate an injury. We look at the body as a whole and try to stretch and strengthen both the injured structures as well as the surrounding structures. This will improve your overall strength and reduce the risk of compensation injuries.

Have more questions about shin splints or want to book in to see one of our superstar podiatrists?  You can book online here or give us a call on 03 9432 2689 to book your appointment today!

Warts are a common problem that we see throughout the entire year here at our podiatry clinic here in Melbourne. They are often painful and can stop you from doing the things you like such as walking or running.

What are Warts?

In the podiatry world, we refer to warts on the feet as ‘verruca pedis’. These warts are caused by a virus known as the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts are the formation of a cauliflower-like bulk of tissue within the skin that can continue to grow or multiply if not treated. 

Being a virus, they survive off the ‘host’, being the person, for their blood supply and environment. You can often see little black specks throughout a wart which are known as vascular heads, as the wart has its own blood supply stemming from the host’s. Some warts can resolve on their own and do not require treatment.

Why do we get Warts?

People that are most at risk of contracting warts are children, the elderly and those who are immunocompromised as the body’s ability to fight off the virus is hindered. The virus is very opportunistic, in that it can enter the top layer of the skin if there has been trauma through an injury or foreign object. They are commonly contracted in areas such as pools and communal change rooms.

What treatments are available for warts?

Cryotherapy is a very popular option available for the treatment of warts. Cryotherapy is cold therapy using liquid nitrogen, whereby the wart is frozen to prevent growth and to kill off any viral tissue. The top of the wart must be removed or ‘debrided’ to produce pin-prick bleeding of the wart’s vascular heads. This allows for better penetration of the skin by the liquid nitrogen. If the warts on a weight bearing area of the foot, padding may be applied to offload the area to prevent pain or irritation. 

Other popular treatment methods include the use of salicylic acid and silver nitrate, which works to kill off the infected tissue. The wart must still be debrided to produce pin-prick bleeds to allow for better penetration when using these methods as well. The surrounding skin is often protected using a felt device or skin preparation and once the salicylic acid has been applied, sports tape is put over the top to block the wart’s oxygen supply, meaning the wart will die. 

Home remedies can include the use of lemon essential oil, banana peel, garlic or pineapple juice. 

Should I use duofilm treatments from the Chemist like Wart Off ?

You should always be cautious when using duofilms from the chemist such as ‘Wart Off’. These products contain salicylic acid which, when not applied correctly, may damage the surrounding skin, as seen in this photo. Consult your podiatrist before using these products to ensure you are applying the product correctly and safely. 

Why do some warts take longer to heal than others?

There are many reasons as to why warts can take longer to heal. Our aim is to speed up the healing process, however we are also relying on your immune system to help fight it off. Healing also requires adequate blood supply so issues with your red and white blood cells or your blood supply may also delay healing. We cannot give a definitive time period of when your wart/s will resolve and will often try numerous treatment options at a time to help speed up the process. 

How can I reduce the risk of getting a Wart?

In order to reduce your risk of contracting a wart or spreading them, there are some simple things to try. 

• If you do visit the local swimming pool, ensure that you always wear thongs or sandals around the pool deck and in the change rooms, as the floor surface is a wart’s haven. 
• At home, try to shower last and ensure that you clean your bathroom and shower floor at least weekly with bleach. You can also wear thongs or sandals in your shower at home. 
• Make sure that you ensure you dry your feet properly, change your socks everyday and air out your shoes regularly. 

If you find yourself with a wart that you’re concerned about, do not hesitate to contact our team here at Watsonia Podiatry. Call us on 03 9432 2689 for an appointment or book online.  You can also download this handy guide to warts our team has put together.

Kids tend to get aches and pains everywhere as they grow, and the heels are a very common area for these pains to occur. 

Children aged between 8 and 14 years old who are active may complain of heel pain, which might be what we call Calcaneal Apophysitis, otherwise known as Sever’s Disease. 

What is Sever’s Disease and Why Does it Happen?

At the back of the heel, there is a growth plate which can become irritated and inflamed.

This can cause an aching pain primarily through the heel. They may also complain of pain, tiredness or aching in their calves and under their feet through the plantar fascia. 

The calf muscles attach onto the back of the heel via the achilles tendon, right near where the growth plate is. 

Often, children will avoid heel contact when walking or walk with a limp, favouring the sore heel.

It can be a very painful condition and can affect your child’s ability to play their favourite sports. 

What Causes Sever’s Disease?

Calcaneal Apophysitis can occur due to:

• Growth spurts, particularly of the bones within the lower leg (tibia and fibular).
• Growth of the muscles in the lower leg and around the heel to keep up with bone growth. 
• Poor footwear that does not support the feet appropriately. 
• Traction of the achilles tendon against the heel bone (calcaneus).
• Participation in high impact sports such as athletics, netball, basketball, football and so on.

Who Should I See for Help with Calcaneal Apophysitis?

If your child is aged 8-14, is sporty and is complaining of heel pain, it is best to see a podiatrist to see how their pain can be treated. 

The main test that we perform when children see us with heel pain is a squeeze test. 

The heel is cupped and squeezed and if the child experiences pain, it is likely that it is calcaneal apophysitis.

We also perform a range of tests in order to assess:

• The range of motion within your foot and ankle. 
• The flexibility of your calves. 
• The strength of the muscles that run from the lower leg into the feet. 
• Your walking and running patterns. 

What are the Sever’s Disease Treatment Options?

It is important to note that this is a condition that will get better with time!

Treatment options are relatively straightforward and need to be followed closely in order to help reduce the inflammation. We will work with your child to create a customised treatment plan for them based on our thorough assessment. 

We know it’s very hard to ask active kids to stop being active, because who didn’t love running and jumping around the playground as a kid? 

There are a number of ways to help reduce the pain, such as:

• Icing the area – Fill a polystyrene cup with water and freeze it. Peel back the edges of the polystyrene and use the icy tip to massage around the heel, moving up the achilles tendon at the back of the ankle and making sure you cover the entire heel. You can also use a simple ice pack. This will help with decreasing inflammation at the heel.

• Heel lifts – These are small devices that can be fitted into your shoes to help elevate the heels, which takes pressure off of the growth plate and achilles tendon insertion. These can be worn in most closed in shoes. 

• Calf stretches – As mentioned before, sometimes children with heel pain will have tight calves. Therefore, stretching the calves can reduce the traction on the back of the heel and take some of the pressure off the achilles and calf muscles.

• Strengthening of the calves– This will help to decrease the pressure placed on the heel and the plantar fascia and increase the strength of the achilles. Exercises can include single and double leg calf raises or theraband exercises. 

• Massage – Massaging through the calf muscles, the plantar fascia and the heel can help to relieve pain. This helps to relax the muscles and increase blood flow to the area to help with healing.

• Activity modification – Kids don’t just stop running and being active, even when they’re in pain. However, their level of activity needs to be modified in order for the inflammation to decrease and this is crucial. This can be done by reducing 2 training sessions down to 1, or playing half a game instead of a full game until the pain is more manageable. 

• Footwear modification – Ensuring that your child is in supportive footwear is exceptionally important. Shoes that are flat, too flexible and either too big or too small are not ideal in the growing and active child and place more stress on the feet and legs. Bring the shoes into your appointment so that we can assess them and make suggestions on which shoes would be more appropriate. 

• Orthotics – Orthotics may help to move pressure away from the heel and support other structures in the feet as well. These can be either prefabricated or custom orthotics depending on the child’s foot posture and function. To learn more about orthotics read our guide to orthotics here. 

Our team of highly trained podiatrist’s are experts in Children’s Podiatry, so if your child is suffering from heel pain, contact us here at Watsonia Podiatry on (03) 9432 2689, or alternatively you can book online here.

Download a summary of the above Sever’s Disease information here. And for more information on conditions your child may experience, read our guide to foot care for kids.

Have you been told that you need orthotics?

Do you know of others who have orthotics and think it may benefit you?

Do you have pain in your feet, ankles, knees, hips or back?

Most people have heard of orthotics/insoles/inserts, but don’t know what they are or how they can be used to help their feet.

We have put together a blog which covers all you need to know about orthotics! In this blog we will discuss what orthotics are, what they’re used for and who can benefit from them. We’ll also tell you how we assess and fit our clients with orthotics.

What Are Orthotics & How Do They Work?

Orthotics are devices that can be put into your shoes to help support your feet.

There are many different types of orthotics, ranging from simple options available at chemists to custom orthotics that are created specifically for your feet.

They are designed to help to support the structures in your feet, particularly those that are weak, injured or are not functioning properly.

Orthotics help to place your feet in a proper alignment to allow them to move in the most effective way.

It is important to note that orthotics do not change the structures in your feet. Rather, they provide support where your feet need it most.

What Are Orthotics Used For?

Orthotics can be used to treat a range of issues, from the lower back down to the feet.  Some common conditions orthotics can help with include plantar fasciitis, bunions, arthritis, limb leg discrepancies, knee pain, callus and corns, ankle instability and many others.

Your feet not only help you get from A to B, but they have the very important task of supporting the rest of your body when you are standing, walking and running.

Everything in the body is connected – ‘The foot bones connected to the leg bone’ and you know how that one goes – so, with that in mind, your foot function can affect the rest of your body, including your knees, hips and back.

With orthotics working to put your feet in the correct alignment, it can relieve strain further up the chain, helping with knee, hip and back pain.

Who Uses Orthotics?

Orthotics can be used by anyone!

Children, the elderly, top level athletes and weekend warriors can all benefit from orthotics if their feet require a little extra support.

While anyone can use them, how do you know whether you need them?

Do I Need Orthotics?

Many people who have experienced foot pain have been told that they need orthotics, whether that be from family, friends, or a health professional.

However, what works for one person may not work for another! Therefore, it is important to make sure that orthotics are the best treatment option for you. And that’s where we, as Podiatrists, can help!

How Does a Podiatrist Figure Out Whether You Need Orthotics?

Firstly, let’s go through how we assess the feet to determine if orthotics are the right option for you. The foot assessment can be broken down into three main parts.

Step One: Sit Down Assessment

An assessment usually begins by assessing the range of motion of the joints within the foot when you’re sitting down. This allows us to see where you may have a restriction or an increase in motion that may be contributing to your foot pain.

We also perform simple muscle testing of the muscle groups that allow the foot to move to identify any weaknesses.

Step Two: Standing Assessment

We then assess the feet when you are standing.

This allows us to see how your feet sit when you are in a ‘static’ position and how they work to support your body weight.

There are certain areas on the feet that we concentrate on when examining the feet in this position, including the heel bone (calcaneus), the ankle, the midfoot, the arch of the foot and the forefoot (toes).

This can tell us what structures are sitting in a different position that may be causing your foot pain and where support may be needed.

Step Three: Walking Assessment 

Finally, we examine your feet when you are walking. It is important to know that there are many variations of movement and everyone walks a little differently.

Podiatrists refer to someone’s walking pattern as their gait.

We look at how your whole body moves as you walk, including the position of your shoulders, hips and knees. This helps us to see if there is anything we need to address further up the body that can be contributing to your pain and vice versa. Of course, we will also look very closely at how the feet are moving.

When the foot is making contact with the ground with each step, there are 4 main movements that we look at:

1. ‘Heel Contact’ – where the heel is the only part of the foot in contact with the ground.
2. ‘Foot Flat’ – whereby the whole foot is in contact with the ground.
3. ‘Stance’ – where there is only one foot on the ground and the other is off the ground.
4. ‘Toe Off’ or ‘Propulsion’- is the final movement, where the heel comes off the ground and the toes flex to allow you to take the next step.

We assess the position of the heel, the midfoot and the forefoot throughout the entire gait cycle.

This helps us to determine any areas of the foot that require more support.

Now that we know what is assessed to determine whether orthotics are required, let’s look at the common conditions that they can help.

Conditions Orthotics Can Help With

You may be aware that there are lots of conditions caused by certain foot postures and gait patterns.

Depending on your condition and the way that your feet move, orthotics can help your feet in a variety of different ways. Orthotics can aid in correcting alignment, assist weak muscles to function properly and provide your feet with the support they need to work the best they can.

Common conditions that can be helped with orthotics include:

Plantar Fasciitis

• What is the Plantar Fascia and what does it do?

The plantar fascia is a ligament that runs from your heel to your toes and is responsible for supporting the arch of the feet.

• What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia has to work harder than usual, either due to excessive load from activity, inefficient gait patterns or poor foot posture.

• What happens when you have Plantar Fasciitis?

Your Plantar Fascia eventually fatigues and can become quite painful, with people experiencing pain at varying degrees, with the heel pain sometimes being experienced first thing in the morning, at other times it may be more constant.

• How Can Orthotics Help with Plantar Fasciitis?

Orthotics can help to support the plantar fascia and the structures around them to ensure that they are able to do their job properly without taking on extra load!

Bunions

• What is a Bunion?

Bunions are a bony deformity of the big toe.

• What Causes Bunions?

Bunions have a number of causes including poor footwear, poor foot function and gait, and even genetics.

• What happens when you have a Bunion?

The big toe is bigger than the rest of our toes and has a very important role in the ‘toe off’ phase of the gait cycle.

Having a bunion often means that there is a restriction in movement of the big toe and the feet cannot move from stance to toe off properly.

• How Can Orthotics Help with Bunions?

Orthotics help by supporting the big toe as well as the joints in the midfoot to allow as much motion to occur through the big toe as possible.

Ankle Instability

• What does the ankle do?

The ankle is a very important joint for foot function as it connects the feet to the leg.

The bone on the inside of your ankle is called the medial malleolus, or the end of the tibia bone. The bone on the outside is called the lateral malleolus, or the end of the fibular bone.

• What Causes Ankle Instability?

There are a number of muscles that cross these bones and the ankle joint to allow movement in the foot, as well as ligaments to hold the ankle joint together.

Injury to these muscles, bones or ligaments can cause problems for the feet and force other structures in the feet to compensate for this.

• How Can Orthotics Help with Ankle Instability?

Orthotics can help to hold the ankle in the correct position whilst also supporting the muscles that cross the across to get to the feet.

Various Tendinopathies

• What are Tendons & why are they important?

Muscles attach onto bones via a tendon, and there are lots of them in the feet.

There are a number of muscles that cross the ankle joint to attach onto the foot.

There are 18 muscles within the feet, plus 11 muscles that start from your lower leg and attach via tendons into your feet. That’s a lot of muscles and tendons! You might have heard of some of them, including the Achilles Tendon.

• What Causes a Tendinopathy?

Tendinopathies can occur when there is a weakness in a muscle or when too much pressure is being placed on a tendon.

• How Can Orthotics Help with Tendinopathies?

Orthotics can help to support where the muscle bellies and tendons that attach to the bones and allow them to heal.

Bursitis

• What are Bursae?

Bursae are small fluid-filled pads that sit in between joints and act as a cushion.

• What is Bursitis & What Causes it?

Bursitis is an inflammation of these Bursae pads and can occur in almost all joints in the body.

• Where might Bursitis occur?

Areas of the feet that are commonly affected by bursitis include the heel and the balls of the feet.

• How Can Orthotics Help with Bursitis?

Orthotics can help to take the pressure of the bursae which are inflamed to help decrease pain and restore function.

Synovitis

• What is Synovitis?

The joint capsules within our body are lined with what’s called a synovium membrane, which lubricates the joints to help with movement. Synovitis occurs when the synovial membrane is inflamed.

• Where might I get Synovitis & What Happens When I Have it?

Synovitis and can occur in the ankle and foot. Synovitis can inhibit movement of joints which can cause changes to gait.

• How Can Orthotics Help with Synovitis?

Similar to bursitis, orthotics can help to take the pressure of the joints where there is synovitis to reduce pain. By taking the pressure off joints, orthotics can help to restore motion in the feet and ankles.

Knee, Hip & Back Pain

• How Can My Feet Cause Knee Pain?

Knee pain can often be caused by foot posture and gait abnormalities.

• How Can Orthotics Help with my Knee Pain?

Orthotics can help to place the foot in the correct alignment, which then places the knees in better alignment.

Limb Length Discrepancies

• What is a Limb Length Discrepancy?

This is where one limb is longer than the other same limb type, for example, everyone will have one leg longer than the other, just like we have one foot that is bigger than the other.

• When Does a Limb Length Discrepancy Cause Problems?

If your limb length discrepancy is larger than normal, the body tries to compensate as best it can.

• What Does a Podiatrist Look For?

In people who have one foot that pronates more than the other, we assess for a limb length discrepancy.

• How Can Orthotics Help with Limb Length Discrepancy?

Orthotics can help by placing the feet in the correct alignment to help the structures further up the leg.

We can also add in a small heel lift to the orthotic to address a limb length discrepancy.

Now that you know some of the conditions that orthotics can help with and how we determine whether you need orthotics, let’s have a look at the process of fitting them!

I Need Custom Orthotics – What is the Process?

Here at Watsonia Podiatry, we very rarely jump straight into an orthotic prescription during your first appointment unless it is necessary.

We will often tape the feet first into a position that will mimic that of an orthotic by supporting the structures where there is pain.

This allows us to determine whether placing your feet in that position is going to be beneficial before starting the orthotic process.

In addition to this, we sometimes prescribe a simple program designed to help strengthen the structures as well as decrease your pain.

If we decide that orthotics are the best option moving forward, we book you in for 2 separate appointments.

Appointment Number One:

The first appointment is our biomechanical/scanning appointment.

In this appointment, we will have another thorough look at your feet to further assess your foot posture & gait.

Sometimes we take a picture of your feet and video you walking to help us with your prescription.

It is important to note that your privacy is of the utmost importance, so your pictures or videos are confidential, you will not be identifiable, and we obtain your consent before doing this.

Following this, we begin the scanning process.

At Watsonia Podiatry, we use a laser scanner and software that takes impressions of your feet.

We mark various landmarks on your feet using a pen to make sure the scanner identifies your feet properly.

Once the feet are scanned, we check the images to make sure that we are happy with the scans.  The scans need to be very precise for the orthotic prescription.

We then complete a prescription form online, which allows us to specify every little detail about the orthotics – right down to the degree or millimetre!

The orthotics prescription includes information such as the size, the materials, where the correction is needed, the amount of correction needed and more.

What do we make our Orthotics out of?

The material that we make the majority of our orthotics out of is called EVA.

EVA tends to be softer and more flexible than other materials on the market.

We choose to use this material as it tends to be more comfortable and fits into shoes slightly better than other materials.

We are also able to modify this material by including additional correction as well as grinding away sections are required.

Sometimes, people will need much firmer orthotics and we can use another material called polypropolene.

This material is much firmer and harder to modify if required.

This prescription is then sent off to the orthotic lab along with the scans of your feet to be made into your very own orthotics.

Appointment Number 2:

You will then return to the clinic in 2 weeks’ time for an orthotic issue.

It is very important that you bring the shoes that you wear most often to this appointment, so that we can fit the orthotics into them.

This can include your runners, work shoes, favourite boots etc.

If we need to make any modifications to the orthotics, we will do this at this appointment.

We check that the orthotics contour your feet well and that the support is in the correct place.

We always order our orthotics a size larger than your shoe size, as this means we can grind away the excess material to fit them into your shoes nicely.

As orthotics place your feet in a different position to what they are used to, they do have a wearing in period.

We will discuss this with you at this appointment and also issue a handout that covers all the information as well.

Follow Up Appointment

Your next appointment will be 5 weeks after your orthotics have been issued.

This appointment allows us to touch base with you to make sure that you are loving your orthotics and they are giving you the support that you need!

At this appointment we will check that you have adjusted nicely to the new orthotics.

We can also make any necessary modifications to the orthotics in this appointment.

Ongoing Care & Treatment

We then review you at least every 12 months to ensure that your orthotics continue to give you the support that you need!

Our custom orthotics generally last for 5-6 years.

Orthotics can make the world of difference to your feet and we want to make sure that your foot pain resolves as quickly as possible.

They are definitely an investment for your feet and we understand that!

As you can see from the breakdown of appointments above, we are very thorough in our assessment and fitting of the orthotics.

Our prescriptions allow us to tailor the orthotics specifically to your feet to get the best result possible, as everyone’s feet are different.

What is the Difference Between “Off the Shelf” and “Custom” Orthotics?

You may be thinking, “I can get ‘orthotics’ from my chemist which are much cheaper, why do I need custom orthotics?”

It’s a question that we get asked quite often as podiatrists.

There are many differences between custom orthotics and what you can get from the chemist, which we call prefabricated orthotics.

The main difference is that custom orthotics are designed and created specifically for your feet alone.

Prefabricated orthotics are generic, meaning that whilst they can offer some support, they are not tailored exactly to your feet and may not help your specific problem.

There is a large variety of prefabricated orthotics available at chemists and sports shops and it can often be difficult to pick out the right ones.

Prefabricated orthotics can offer varying degrees of arch support and cushioning.

A difficulty that we face as podiatrists is that it is challenging to be able to modify prefabricated orthotics.

Due to the material used, what you see is what you get and very little can be added to improve them if required.

This limits the amount that they are able to support your feet and if they’re not quite right, you may notice that your foot pain lingers.

In some cases, prefabricated orthotics can greatly assist with your foot pain.

However, this is dependent on your current foot situation.

If you’re not sure whether the prefabricated orthotics you have are doing enough for your feet, book in to see us today.

Does Watsonia Podiatry Have Prefabricated Orthotics?

At our clinic, we also have the option of a prefabricated orthotic, which we have had great success with.

We Use DOLA orthotics that are essentially generic in nature but can also be modified to fit your feet. Whilst a prefabricated is not initially customised to your feet, the DOLA range are able to be modified quite extensively to provide adequate support.

These prefabricated orthotics offer a significantly larger amount of support and cushioning than insoles or orthotics that can be bought at a chemist or sports store. We offer both full length and ¾ length orthotics.

So why is there such a difference in price between prefabricated and custom orthotics? In short, custom orthotics are more expensive than prefabricated orthotics due to the processes and materials required to make them. Each foot is different, so we always aim to make sure that we provide an orthotic that will support your feet as much as possible.

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your feet, lower limbs, knees, hips and back, it could be due to one of the common conditions we have mentioned or possibly another foot related problem.  Book in to see one of our friendly podiatry team here at Watsonia Podiatry, we can assess your feet and determine whether orthotics are right for you, or if another treatment may be more appropriate.

You can book online or call us on 03 9432 2689.

Sorry folks, having athlete’s foot won’t make you more athletic (we’ve done the research). Athlete’s foot, otherwise known in the podiatry world as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection of the skin on the feet. 

What is Tinea Pedis?

There are 3 types of fungus that are usually the main culprits when it comes to Tinea Pedis – Trichophyton Rubrum, Trichophyton Mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton Floccosum. 

The fungus enters the skin by producing enzymes that break down the skin cells and allows the fungus to penetrate the skin. 

Tinea pedis can present in a number of different ways, including dry skin, maceration, blistering and redness. 

It presents on the soles of your feet, in between your toes and on your heels, however it can also spread onto the top of your feet if left untreated. 

It can be extremely itchy and when scratched and can create painful breaks in the skin. 

Often, it can be mistaken for eczema or psoriasis, therefore it is important to tell your podiatrist if you do regularly suffer from these skin conditions as well. 

Where Could I Have Picked Up a Tinea Infection?

Due to its highly infectious nature, there are a few places that are notorious for contracting athlete’s foot, with one of the most common places being your local swimming pool. Whilst it is fantastic to keep fit by swimming, the pool deck provides the perfect environment for the fungus to thrive. 

Tinea loves moist, warm conditions which unfortunately means that those who love to swim are susceptible. 

Communal showers and sports halls are also hot spots to be weary of.

Who Usually Suffers from Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis is more common in adults and is rarely seen in children, as they tend to suffer from other foot ailments such as warts. 

How Can I Avoid Tinea Infections?

There are a few things that you can do to avoid suffering from Athlete’s Foot. Some of the precautionary things we recommend are:

• Ensuring you wear thongs or sandals around the pool deck and in communal showers. Whilst this doesn’t totally eliminate your risk, it does provide a barrier between your feet and the floor, which does help to decrease your chances of contracting Tinea.
• Ensure you are adequately drying your feet, in particular between your toes. By keeping your feet appropriately dry, you are depriving the fungus of their ideal environment. Try using talcum powder on your feet after you’ve dried your feet. 
• Make sure that you are washing your socks regularly. Also consider airing-out your shoes if you tend to sweat a lot.  This helps to reduce those moist environments that Tinea thrives in. 

How Can Tinea Be Treated?

There are a number of different treatments available for Tinea.

• Anti-fungal products such as SolvEasy, Lamisil, Daktarin and Canesten. These products work to kill the fungus and restore foot health. 
• Application of tea tree oil – a natural antifungal which can help treat tinea pedis.

If you are in located in Melbourne and think you may be experiencing Tinea Pedis, please don’t hesitate to contact us here at Watsonia Podiatry on 03 9432 2689, or alternatively you can book online.

We can diagnose your Tinea infection, help you treat it and get those feet back to their best!

As podiatrists, it is our job to work out why you are in pain and then treat the problem accordingly. This pain may be located anywhere from your lower back all the way down to your feet. The cause of this pain could be from a variety of problems, including injuries, strength or movement deficits or underlying medical conditions.

When a patient presents to the clinic in pain, we perform a very thorough biomechanical assessment in order to provide a snapshot of your foot function, including the range of motion and flexibility testing, strength testing, stance and gait assessments and footwear assessments.

At Watsonia Podiatry, we have now introduced the Zebris Treadmill into our clinic. The Zebris treadmill aids us in these stance and gait assessments by giving us an even deeper insight into what’s happening with your feet!

 

How does the Zebris treadmill work?

Force plates and sensors are located along the treadmill belt (the part you walk on) which allows us to analyse how your feet are moving.

Detailed reports are then generated to show where you are loading through your feet and why may be in pain. We are able to conduct balance and stance assessments, as well as walking and running assessments.

 

What can we use the Zebris treadmill for?

Your feet are built the way they are for a reason – it is to allow for proper pressure distribution and efficient movement. When feet are unable to work effectively, it can lead to a range of problems within the feet.

The Zebris treadmill can be used to help with the diagnosis and management of:

• Musculoskeletal injuries such as Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendinopathy, Bursitis, Stress Fractures, Knee Pain and Hip Pain.
• Callus/Corn and Wound Formation
• Balance Training
• Gait Retraining
• Orthotic Prescriptions
• Injury Prevention

If you have any questions, or would like to book an appointment for an assessment on the Zebris treadmill call 03 9432 2689 or book an appointment online here.

With stage 4 restrictions currently in place for Victoria, a lot of people are struggling to manage their foot health at home. Previously, a lot of people have relied heavily on pedicures every few weeks. However, with salons currently closed, they may be wondering where they can go for their foot care needs.

What’s the difference between a Pedicure and Podiatry Consultation?

In the table below, we’ve outlined the differences in practices and procedures between getting a pedicure at a salon and a consultation with a podiatrist.

As you can see above, there are a lot of differences when it comes to getting a pedicure and visiting a podiatrist. While we both might work with feet, the health and wellbeing of your feet is a podiatrist’s number one priority.

If you are suffering from any issues, or concerned about the health of your skin and nails, Watsonia Podiatry is here to help.

Make an appointment for a consultation today by calling 03 9432 2689 or Booking Online here.